As episode No. 3 of “The Ultimate Fighter 17″ opens, Team Jones’ Adam Cella approaches his upcoming opponent, Team Sonnen’s Uriah Hall to tell him he expects a fantastic fight with both athletes looking to stand and bang. Uriah won’t quite confirm his willingness to keep it on the feet, but stylistically it seems likely. Team Jones coaches are shocked their opponents selected two standup fighters to meet, but they’re happy with it.

On the ride back from the gym, Team Sonnen’s Kevin Casey reacts to Robert “Bubba” McDaniel for calling him out in the previous episode. “King” Kevin doesn’t like the call-out, especially because of the cut that’s healing on his forehead.

Outside, the teams are chatting, and Uriah tells the crew he’s heard his teammate, Tor Troeng, is a “professional cooker.” Josh Samman notes the proper term is “chef.” Uriah doesn’t like the attitude the quip came with and thinks back to his days as a kid, when he was bullied. Uriah says Josh is going to be his next target.

Coach Chael Sonnen says Uriah is the best fighter in the house but can be his own worst enemy with the pressure he puts on himself. His competitive desire is evident in a grappling session with Kevin.

Meanwhile, Adam seems to be the complete opposite. He admits he has other options in life. His mission is about want, not need. Still, he expects a standup war and is ready to deliver. Coach Jon Jones admits grappling is not Adam’s specialty before taking the team through drills designed to focus on elbow strikes and ground and pound. Jon said he realizes many fighters are intimidated by Uriah, so it’s important to humanize the threat and build up his fighter’s confidence.

Sonnen said his fighter’s approach will be to move forward at all costs. He also takes some time to coach Uriah and admits he sought out the help of a sports psychologist, who helped him realize that all fighters second guess themselves and that he has to learn to understand that doubt creeps in for everyone. How he chooses to handle those emotions is what will dictate how much he can accomplish.

It’s frank talk from Sonnen, and Uriah seems to really soak it in.

In a van to the gym, Jimmy Quinlan can’t help but mess with Kevin a bit after he admits he’d prefer to fight “Bubba” after the first round. Once they get to the gym, they see Team Sonnen has put Kevin’s picture up next. If they win, that’s who they’re picking. “Bubba” places his pic next to it, angling again for the matchup.

It’s time for weigh-ins. UFC President Dana White bills Uriah as the favorite, but Adam and his team say there is no fear.

Before the fight, Team Jones coaches stop by the house for a cookout. Steaks and salmon are grilled up, and Jon brings his dog by for the visit. After eating, the team heads outside for a little bonding chat. Jon believes the honest discussion about their lives and path to fighting will bring them together as brothers.

Finally, it’s time to fight.

TEAM SONNEN’S URIAH HALL (7-2) VS. TEAM JONES’ ADAM CELLA (4-0)

Round 1 – Referee Steve Mazzagatti in the cage. Adam takes the center early and is busy with his hands. Uriah grabs a Thai clinch and delivers a few strong knees before Adam pulls away to reset. Both fighters are firing big shots early. The clinch up and transition to the floor, where Uriah takes top position before standing up and allowing Adam to follow. Uriah lands a crisp jab and push kick on the restart. He continues to land heavy punches and kicks on the outside and looks to be gaining confidence with each passing second. Adam continues to press forward, but Uriah proves very elusive. Then it happens. In the final seconds of the round, a spinning heel kick lands flush to the chin, and Adam is out. It’s massive celebration to start before everyone goes quiet. It’s obvious Adam is hurt.

Uriah Hall def. Adam Cella via knockout (kick).

Fortunately, Adam hasn’t suffered any serious damage. Back in the dressing room with Uriah, Dana stops by for a visit. The “Knockout of the Year” for “TUF 17″ is pretty much locked down.

Uriah admits it’s hard to celebrate when you know what you’ve done to your opponent. But it’s the hurt business, and we move on.

It’s time for fight selection, and Chael picks Kevin, as promised. For Team Jones, it’s Collin Hart. “Bubba” is disappointed. Collin admits they probably think he’s the easiest matchup, which he is certain is completely untrue.

Catch new episodes of “The Ultimate Fighter 17: Team Jones vs. Team Sonnen” every Tuesday at 9 p.m. ET on FX. MMAjunkie.com recaps each episode of the reality series.

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